World ARC fleet depart Recife, Brazil.

26 February 2009

World ARC fleet depart Recife, Brazil

26 February 2009

The fleet have departed Cabanga Iate Clube, Recife and are routing north with a favourable current to the new Port Louis marina in Grenada. The yachts took off on the afternoon high tide in order to clear
through the narrow channel that links Cabanga Yacht Club to the main
port entrance. Winds for the next few days are forecast to be SE 10 - 15 knots, with some thunderstorm activity as they reach the inter-tropical convergence zone. In particular, Saturday is set to be breezy as trade wind surges from both hemispheres meet.

Prize-giving for the Cape to Bahia leg took place during the farewell crew supper. Viva (Hallberg Rassy 42F) led class C, followed by Chantelle (Beneteau First 42S7), and Windflower III (Bavaria 46). In class A, Faraway (Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49) just pipped Kealoha 8 (Oyster 72), with Quasar V (Moody 54) taking a well-deserved third spot.

The programme in the Camper and Nicholson owned Port Louis marina begins 11 March and runs for one week, allowing time to cruise up to the final destination, the brand new IGY Rodney Bay Marina in St Lucia. Preparations are already underway to welcome the fleet back 'home' with some special events.

It was from the old Rodney Bay Marina that 38 yachts set sail on the inaugural World ARC at 12.10pm, 23 January 2008, with a promise from general manager Cuthbert Didier that by the time they returned the marina would be transformed. He kept his word, and in fact the redevelopment was completed in time for the annual ARC rally, with berths available for all 225 yachts.

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